Conveyer chain



CONVEYE'R CHAIN Fil ed June 11, 1954 Patented Jan. 5, 1937 PATENT OFFICE,

r .1 Claim; 401. 198-489);

This invention relates to a chain of the type particularly. although not exclusively, adapted for use as a conveyer where containers or other loads are directly supported on the chain and the path over which the loads are carried is such that flexing of the chain horizontally as well as vertically is required.

It is our object to provide an inexpensive, strong and durable chain of this type.

A further object is to provide a chain of this class adapted to be flexed abruptly in planes at right angles to each other and having links adapted to be connected together and separated merely by proper manipulation and without the use of small fastening devices, such as cotter keys, nuts and the like.

Other objects will appear and be more fully pointed out in the following specification and claim.

Referring to the drawing which illustrates the best form of our device at present known to us,

Figure l is a plan view of a portion of the chain comprising a pair of links and the connection between them;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through one of the links taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through a link taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. illustrates the relative positions of a pair of links and the connection during the operation of separating or connecting a pair of the links, and

Fig. 6 is a side view of one of the link connecting devices.

Each link has a pair of bottom bars I and a pair of top bars 8 all extending longitudinally of the chain, in parallel relation to each other. At one end of the link, the bars I are connected together by an arcuate bearing member 9 and at the same end of the chain the bars 8 are connected together by a similar arcuate bearing member 10. At the opposite end of the link there are arcuate bearing members II at each side of the link connecting the bar I with the bar 8. Rigidly connecting one of the bars 1 to the bar 8 on the same side of the chain is a bracing member l2 and the top of the chain is substantially closed by a web. I3 integral with the bars 8 and having beveled side edges I4 for the purpose hereinafter described.

The device for joining adjacent links together, best shown in Fig. 6, has a shank I5 extending longitudinally of the chain. A head I6 is integral with the shank [5 at one end and projects at oppositesides toengage a pair of theIarcu ate bearing members formed on the links. At the opposite end of the shank l5 2. head I! is formed to extend perpendicularly to the head I6 but otherwise similar thereto. The heads [6 and I! have semi-cylindrical inner peripheries to fit in semi-cylindrical surfaces of the bearing members. Outer end surfaces [8 are formed on the heads l6 and H to bear upon the teeth of sprocket wheels (not shown) for driving the chain. It will be understood that the teeth of such sprocket wheels project between the bars I to engage the surfaces l8 in driving the chain.

When a pair of the links are to be joined'together either the head IE or I! -may first be inserted between a pair of the bars I or between one of the bars I and a bar 8, while the head is held in parallel relation to the bars, and then the shank I5 is turned about its axis to seat the head either against the bearing members 9 and Ill or against the members ll. Assuming that the head 5 has been so seated in the members 9 and ill of one link, with shank I5'perpendicular to the bars of the first link, the head I1 may be inserted between the members I of the second, or upper link, as illustrated in Fig. 5 and then the link carrying the shank I5 may be turned about 90 degrees about the axis of said shank so that the head I! is seated in the arcuate bearing members H. Finally the links are merely moved to their normal positions in end to end relation to each other. It will be understood that the outer end surfaces of the bearing members 9, I0 and II are suitably formed to permit flexing of the chain about the axis of the head l6 in one plane and about the axis of the head I! in a plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Our improved chain is commonly used in creameries and breweries where containers of various shapes and kinds and of considerable weight are supported directly on the chain while being transported along horizontal and inclined guideways which are curved horizontally and vertically. Such chains are subject to severe strains and damaging wear produced by contact with the objects conveyed and guides. By providing the closed top surface on the chain, greatly improved wearing qualities are secured and we eliminate the danger of portions of the articles being caught in the recesses of the chain. Containers and other objects are frequently delivered to the chain by sliding them laterally to rest on the top surface and heretofore difficulty has been experienced due to the striking of the articles against exposed vertical edges or corners of the chains. We eliminate such difiiculties by providing the beveled side edges I 4 on the webs l3. Furthermore, the webs l3 and reinforcing bars I 2 make it possible to reduce the cost of the chain by the long link construction and at the same time afford ample strength and wearing qualities in a chain of the, typeadapted to make abrupt turns in planes perpendicular to each other.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent A conveyer chain comprising ayplurality of surface, a narrow, vertical bar rigidly joining the longitudinal reaches of one of said side members of each link together in spaced relation to the ends thereof, a web substantially closing the top 01' each link, the side edges of said web sloping laterally outward and down to facilitate lateral movement of objects supported by the chain, and means connecting said linkstogether comprising, a rigid member extending longitudinally of the chain and having cross heads projecting from its ends respectively to engage the side U-shaped members of one link and the top and bottom U-shaped members of the adjacent link, said cross heads having surfaces adapted to pivotally fit said semi-cylindrical surfaces of said U-shaped members and being arranged to constitute contact members for the teeth of sprocket wheels and the bottom and one side only of each link having openings for said teeth.

SMITH EGGLESTON. DUDLEY F. HOLBERT. 

